John Swinney
Scottish National Party · Scotland
“Since the report from several years ago was published, the Government has presided over the passage of legislation to rationalise that area of activity. Work is under way to transfer the responsibility for the funding of further education student support from the Scottish Funding Council to the Student Awards Agency Scotland.”
“I appreciate the urgency of the general policy elements of the question, because a number of applications are now being considered by planning authorities. My view is that, given the concerns that have been expressed by planning authorities, the Government has to be responsive to the issue.”
“For as long as we do not have a proper strategy on prison capacity, rehabilitation and clearing the court backlog, early release will be a revolving door, with people going in, coming out and going back into our prisons. Our justice system is in crisis, so we need a strategy.”
“I associate myself unreservedly Mr Cole-Hamilton’s comments about the feelings in the Muslim community. On Monday, I visited the Broomhouse mosque along with Simita Kumar and the Annandale Street mosque in Edinburgh with Ben Macpherson.”
“The development of further guidance will be undertaken in a manner consistent with the ruling by Lady Ross. Malcolm Offord: I thank the First Minister for his answer, which was more comprehensive than I expected.”
“I am a huge supporter of apprenticeship programmes. With foundation apprenticeships and graduate apprenticeships, the Government has brought forward important reforms that create new and successful pathways for young people. I am determined to make sure that every young person has that desirable pathway for their future.”
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“It is part of the routine childhood immunisation programme, and we should all be encouraging parents and carers to ensure that their child receives all their vaccinations. It is galling that Reform gave a platform to an anti-vax proponent at its latest conference. I call on all political parties and politicians in the chamber to promote preventative vaccinations. Will the First Minister’s Government consider boosting its positive vaccination messaging so that we can keep people throughout Scotland safe? The First Minister: Let me associate myself with Kevin Stewart’s comments. Vaccination is the most effective way to ensure that public health is maintained. It is important that we all combat harmful disinformation about vaccines. Vaccinations save lives, so it is essential that families can access clear and accurate health information.”
“Vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles, and I urge everyone who is eligible to ensure that they are fully vaccinated. Childhood immunisation uptake in Scotland remains high. Uptake of the first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine in children by age five continues to exceed 95 per cent. In NHS Grampian, MMR vaccine uptake in children is slightly above the national average, at 96.5 per cent. The Government is working closely with Public Health Scotland and NHS boards, including NHS Grampian, to monitor measles cases and to take any necessary rapid action to protect public safety. Kevin Stewart: I thank the First Minister for that answer. Measles is a very serious illness, but it can be easily prevented. Vaccination is safe, effective and for everyone, at any age.”
“The SNP is delivering for the NHS, and I am very pleased with the progress that we are making.”
“As I said in my earlier answer, there has been a 75 per cent increase in the number of consultants in the NHS since the Government came into office. Therefore, that point is not substantiated. Private heath admissions are lower in Scotland than in England and Wales. England’s private health admissions are 48 per cent higher, and Wales’s are 5 per cent higher, than they are in Scotland. We are in a comparatively stronger position. On the performance of the national health service, I appreciate that there are challenges in the NHS, but long waits are down eight months in a row, and long waits for new out-patients have halved since July. The number of general practitioners, nurses, midwives and consultants is up, and there will be 16 new walk-in GP clinics.”
“For years, we have heard from clinicians that working in the NHS is becoming more difficult as demand for care rises and waiting time backlogs remain stubbornly high. Is it any wonder that, under the SNP, more staff are leaving the NHS for the private sector? What will the First Minister do to ensure that experienced medical professionals—many of whom have received their education and experience in Scotland—are encouraged to continue working for the NHS throughout their careers, not only with a fair salary but with investment in technology and prevention in order to improve the working environment for our NHS staff? The First Minister: I need to correct Mr Whittle on the point about more staff leaving the NHS. There are more staff working in the NHS under this Government than there have been in the past.”
“The very modest increase of 20 private consultants over the past year has to be seen in the context of a record high number of NHS Scotland consultants. Since 2006, the number of consultants has increased by 75 per cent, including a 150 whole-time equivalent increase over the past year, using the latest data to December 2025. Brian Whittle: I thank the First Minister for that answer. However, much as I accept that people have a choice, I am concerned that more people are accessing private healthcare not out of choice but out of necessity, in the face of prolonged and painful waits for NHS care. The situation can only be exacerbated if more of our experienced medics are spending less time in the NHS and more time in private practice.”
“The Prime Minister has committed to stepping in should that situation arise, and I would encourage him to do so.”
“Previously, with the spike in the price of heating oil due to the invasion of Ukraine, the UK Government introduced an alternative fuel payment of £200, which was better than nothing. Does the First Minister agree that an alternative fuel payment should be made now, but in tandem with the exposure of the cowboys who are profiteering and, at long last, proper regulation of the industry? The First Minister: The Cabinet Secretary for Housing has already written to the UK Government confirming our support for the Competition and Markets Authority enforcement action, which would address some of the issues that Christine Grahame has raised. We have also asked the UK Government to stand up the alternative fuel payment infrastructure and called for a public commitment that financial support will be made available if costs continue to rise.”
“Christine Grahame: I note that Rachel Reeves has referred the hike to the Competition and Markets Authority, but my constituents and, I suspect, constituents of many members throughout the chamber need something done in the here and now. They are simply overwhelmed by the soaring costs of their heating oil, which have more than doubled in days and are still on the rise. For example, in my constituency, the cost was 60p a litre in January, and yesterday it was £1.27 a litre. The increased costs affect about 130,000 homes in Scotland and 1.7 million homes UK-wide. Those homes already get very limited benefit from the energy price cap. That applies to combined electricity and gas supplies, so it applies only to their electricity bills.”
“We have engaged with the industry to understand the implications of the serious issue that Christine Grahame raises with me. We also seek to engage with the United Kingdom Government on the issue. I know that there has been some dialogue between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and members of Parliament, but there has not yet been dialogue with the devolved Governments. We will pursue that. We want to make sure that we are part of those discussions to understand the potential impacts on individuals, public services and social security arrangements in Scotland. Our hope is that de-escalation in Iran can reverse the increase in costs, because that is what is fuelling it. However, energy prices are fully reserved to the United Kingdom Government, and we have pressed it to publicly commit to financial support if prices continue to rise.”
“I reiterate that the majority of women and babies experience a safe birth and positive outcomes and that, where that goes wrong, we expected there to be transparency and accountability, and that is what the Government delivers. Heating Costs (Rural Households) 4.”
“The overwhelming majority of women and babies experience a safe birth and positive outcomes but, when things go wrong, we expect health boards to engage openly and transparently with individual mothers and families to understand what has gone wrong. We are also requiring Healthcare Improvement Scotland to scrutinise maternity services around the country. We have seen various reports coming forward as that exercise is undertaken and, where improvement is required, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care brings in the leadership of the relevant health board to insist that that is undertaken. I say to Mr Cole-Hamilton, to Parliament and to mums around the country that the Government is determined to deliver safe maternity services.”
“That number is almost treble what it was at the start of this session of Parliament. The compensation that the NHS has paid out to affected families has skyrocketed. The Royal College of Midwives has warned that staff “are being stretched beyond breaking point” and that women and babies are being denied the care that they deserve. All of that is happening on the SNP’s watch, so I ask the First Minister: do Scotland’s mums not deserve better than that? The First Minister: What Scotland’s mums deserve is the safe delivery of maternity care as close to home as they can sustainably get that service. That is exactly what mums in Scotland deserve and that is what this Government delivers.”
“There is independent engagement in the work of the task force, which is designed to look at the vexed issue of the safe delivery of maternity services in particular parts of the country where there is not a high incidence of deliveries, to ensure that those services can be as safe as possible for any mothers who are having babies. Alex Cole-Hamilton: I am sorry, but there is nothing independent about a review if an SNP minister is in overall charge of it. It is no wonder that mums in the far north feel really let down and unsafe. They are not alone. New Scottish Liberal Democrat research shows that 300 times last year, maternity wards across Scotland recorded safety concerns about being short-staffed. Those were red flags on the national health service’s official incident reporting system.”
“First, I am delighted that Mrs MacGill is home, which is where she should be, and I am delighted that support is in place to enable her to be at home. The way in which individuals are financially supported to be at home varies around the country. I, personally, am a great supporter of self- directed support because I think that it gives families much more control, and I am delighted that that arrangement, which has been put in place and is supported by the Government, enables that to happen. The issues in connection with maternity services in Caithness are being taken forward as part of the work of the maternity and neonatal task force, which is under way.”
“I say that to show that the demand and the incidents that have to be addressed have to be constantly reviewed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and it needs to identify the proper resources that are available to address those incidents. That will be considered as part of the exercise. In relation to the incident on Sunday in Glasgow, I am confident that effective resources were in place to do all that needed to be done. Looking at the incident and its severity, we can see that the impact was bad enough but could have been even greater. That demonstrates to me that the resources are in place to tackle such incidents. However, that must be kept under constant review, and that is what we expect the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service board to do. Maternity Services (Caithness) 3.”
“The First Minister: I would have hoped that my answer to Mr Sarwar’s second question would have reassured him on many of those questions. The service delivery review that is going on within the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, which is the type of exercise that has to be undertaken on a regular basis, must have public safety and effective dealing with fire and rescue incidents uppermost in its consideration. Since 2009-10, there has been a 33 per cent reduction in—sorry. Since 2013, there has been a more than 20 per cent reduction in dwelling fires in Scotland. At the same time, there has been an increase in demand for fire and rescue services to deal with issues such as flooding or wildfires.”
“That is why an urgent investigation must happen to establish the facts. It was right that John Swinney went to Union Street on Monday to see those who fought to put out the blaze, but government must be about more than gestures. At the very same time as John Swinney was on Union Street thanking the front line, Scottish Government officials were meeting Fire Brigades Union officials to inform them of plans for more job cuts in Scotland’s fire service. How can that possibly be right? We know that there are now fewer firefighters, less firefighting equipment, longer response times and station closures. Our Fire and Rescue Service has already faced years of cuts, so surely the tragedy on Sunday must be a wake-up call and a reason to pause.”
“The essential requirement of any review is to make sure that we have a fire and rescue service that can meet the needs of Scotland as we face them and that is the commitment that I give to Parliament today. Anas Sarwar: John Swinney and I agree about the exemplary nature of the decision making of those individual firefighters, but he needs to commit to an urgent investigation of the impact of the capacity that was available to those firefighters. I do not think that he can logically say that reducing Glasgow’s high-rise appliances from six to two and the fact that those two appliances were both off stream at the same time due to inspection would not have made a material difference. We do not know, but he cannot say categorically that that did not make a material difference to the response to the fire.”
“When it comes to considering the deployment or allocation of resources in Scotland for fire and rescue services, the Government is mindful of our obligations in that respect, which is why, in the recent budget, we provided an additional £23.8 million to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, bringing its budget to £435.96 million. That is an increase in the budget for the Fire and Rescue Service. The Fire and Rescue Service is going through a service delivery review, but central to that review— I have made this point to individual members who have raised issues about firefighting capacity around the country—are questions of fire safety, resilience and proper deployment of resources that will underpin any consideration of the issues in that review. That is the point that I stress to Parliament today.”
“The First Minister: I understand the significance and importance of the points that Mr Sarwar puts to me, but I come back to the point of agreement in our exchange, which is that the fire and rescue response on Sunday was exemplary, that the resources that were required were there to ensure that the fire could be extinguished and, crucially, that the high-rise equipment that was available provided the strategic intervention that stopped the fire from spreading into Glasgow Central station or the Central hotel. All that equipment and resource was there to enable that incident to be tackled.”
“In Glasgow, the number of those appliances was cut from six to two. It is believed that both of Glasgow’s HRAs were not available on Sunday, due to annual inspection, and that one had to be called from Edinburgh. Why was that ever allowed to happen? Since 2013, one in six firefighter jobs has been lost—that is more than 1,200 jobs. Sunday is a reminder of what those men and women put at stake every time they go to work. Right now, we do not know what difference the reduction in fire service capacity would have made on Sunday, but will John Swinney commit to an immediate investigation into any potential impact it might have had on the response, so that lessons can be urgently learned?”
“To follow up on the point that I made to Mr Findlay, the Government will put in place financial support, which will be channelled through Glasgow City Council, to support affected businesses, but we need to take some time to establish exactly what type of support will make a difference. It will be financial support, because that is required by the businesses that have been affected. Anas Sarwar: I welcome those comments. Fires such as the one that we saw on Sunday are difficult to fight, and we saw the dedication of our firefighters. However, the truth is that, too often, our firefighters have to fight fires with reduced capacity. In 2023, John Swinney and the Scottish National Party cut the number of specially designed high-reach appliances, or HRAs, from 26 to just 16 for the whole of Scotland.”
“There was also the whole recovery operation, which involved our transport networks, the emergency services and the volunteers who turned out—very quickly—to provide support to individuals. Mr Sarwar is correct to say that a number of lessons must be learned from the incident. An investigation into the site will be carried out, but it looks pretty obvious that it started in a vape shop in Union Street. There is regulation in place, and the United Kingdom Government is actively pursuing more regulation, which will affect Scotland; we are party to that. We will also look to identify what further steps are required to ensure that there is proper and effective regulation of such premises.”
“I also associate myself with the remarks of Mr Sarwar. When I visited the site on Monday, I was briefed by the various organisations that were involved in dealing with the incident, led by the firefighting commanders, from whom I gained a first-hand understanding of the severity of the incident. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to them, for two reasons. First, as a result of their prompt and comprehensive intervention, there were no injuries, which I consider to be a minor miracle with an incident of that scale. Secondly, Glasgow Central station and the Central hotel were saved from fire spread from an intense fire because of the strategic direction of the operation and the strategic judgments that were made by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. I associate myself very much with Mr Sarwar’s remarks in that regard.”
“That is all part of the £870 million of financial support that this Government is providing. I point out to Mr Findlay that he did not vote for a single penny of that when the budget came before Parliament. What we have had from Mr Findlay is just posturing. Glasgow Union Street Fire 2.”
“Of course, in that case, there will be benefits as a result of the transitional relief system that the Government will put in place. I am afraid that, because of my commitments, I cannot join Mr Findlay at 1.30. I ask the Parliament to understand that there are a range of different issues that I am wrestling with and must take forward. Every year that it has been in office, this Government has consistently demonstrated a determination to put in place support for business. We were the first Government to introduce the small business bonus scheme, which the pub that Mr Findlay referred to has benefited from. We are a Government that has put in place a series of different reliefs across hospitality, retail and leisure premises, as well as delivering a reduction in rate levels in Scotland.”
“I contacted him directly about Katie Long. Katie took on a derelict pub in Mr Swinney’s constituency and worked tirelessly to transform it into a thriving community local. Her rates bill is about to double, and she is on the brink of calling last orders for the last time. A community would lose its local and 26 people would lose their jobs. More than a fortnight ago, I asked John Swinney to visit Katie’s pub. He has not even replied. Mr Swinney will not go to Katie’s pub, so she has come to the Parliament today. I will be going with Katie to a nearby pub at half past 1 this afternoon. Will John Swinney join us to discuss Katie’s plight and Scotland’s pub crisis over a pint? The First Minister: I am very familiar with the case that Mr Findlay puts to me.”
“As I said in an earlier answer, it is part of a package of reliefs that is estimated to be worth more than £870 million in the next financial year to companies in Scotland. I understand the concerns in the business community. I engage regularly with a range of different business organisations—my ministers do exactly the same—to ensure that we can take action within the financial resources that are available to us to support the business community and to encourage its growth and development in Scotland. That is at the heart of the Government’s budget proposals. Russell Findlay: The First Minister could not even be bothered going to the hustings. He did not even bother sending a minister or an MSP. Let me tell members about another shocking example of John Swinney’s disgraceful, high- handed approach to business.”
“Instead, he sent a local councillor. The same group also wrote to Mr Swinney on 30 January asking him for a meeting. He has not even replied. Does John Swinney think that his high- handed treatment of a critical sector of the Scottish economy is appropriate? The First Minister: There is extensive engagement between my ministers and the different sectors that are involved in the discussions on business rates, and a wide range of meetings have taken place between ministers and representatives of the hospitality industry as part of that work. That engagement led to the budget propositions that have put in place significant transitional reliefs, which will reduce the net bill for eligible properties to 25 per cent of what it would otherwise have been in 2026-27. That is a significant contribution.”
“Some properties will see significant increases in rateable values in the 2026 revaluation, but the transitional relief that the Government has put in place means that the gross bills of about 60,000 properties will be lower in 2026-27 than they would otherwise have been. That is part of the wider non- domestic rates support that the Government has put into place, which is more than £870 million in 2026-27. Russell Findlay: John Swinney mentions the budget response, but that is a sticking plaster. Businesses are bleeding out and Scottish hospitality is being hit hard, with pubs already closing at a rate of one a week. However, John Swinney does not want to know. Last month, I invited him to discuss Scotland’s pub crisis over a pint. He refused. The Scottish Hospitality Group invited Mr Swinney to its recent hustings. He refused.”
“Sir Tom Hunter said: “Mr Swinney, First Minister, you understand what is going on here, and you understand the punishment. I am going to say it today: can’t pay, won’t pay.” My party is campaigning to pause the new rates bills before they come into effect on 1 April. Will John Swinney heed those warnings before it is too late? The First Minister: I recognise the challenges that, in general, the business community in Glasgow, and across the country, is facing, and I recognise the significance of the issues relating to non-domestic rates, which have been central to the Government’s budget provisions for many years. We have protected the business community from some of the increases that it has faced.”
“I include in that the businesses that have been directly displaced by the fire and those that have been affected by issues with access to the central Glasgow area, which is severely restricted because of the safety considerations at the site. Russell Findlay: I am not sure whether that answer will inspire huge confidence. There seems to be a lack of urgency around the matter, because many businesses that have been impacted by the Glasgow fire already face massive, imminent rises to their rates bills. Across Scotland, those bills will force some to cease trading and lay off workers. Two prominent businessmen have issued particularly stark warnings. Lord Haughey said that there could be “civil disobedience” and a mass campaign of non-payment.”
“First, I associate myself very closely with Russell Findlay’s remarks about the bravery and effectiveness of the firefighting operation. That response has enabled Glasgow Central station, the Central hotel and most of the infrastructure around the site of the fire to be protected, although there is significant disruption to individuals as a consequence. The Government is in active discussion with Glasgow City Council, which is gathering information from the affected businesses about their circumstances. I am not in a position today to say definitively what financial support will be available, but I expect to be able to do so very shortly. Glasgow City Council and the Government will discuss exactly what support can be made available to the affected businesses.”
“They collected 750,000 signatures in their campaign to change UK gun laws. In November 1997, handguns became illegal in the United Kingdom. Scotland has not seen a mass shooting since. My thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go out to everyone who was impacted by that terrible tragedy. My most heartfelt thanks go to all who took action to ensure that such a tragedy might never happen again. In the intervening years, the community of Dunblane has demonstrated such strength and resilience, and the power of community, solidarity and love in Scotland. It has the respect and admiration of us all. 12:02”
“Thirty years ago tomorrow, primary school teacher Gwen Mayor took her pupils into the gym hall at Dunblane primary school. Shortly afterwards, a gunman entered. What followed was the deadliest and most horrific mass shooting in the United Kingdom’s history. Along with Gwen Mayor, who died valiantly trying to protect her pupils, 16 children lost their lives and 15 others were injured. I, like everyone who lived through that moment, will never forget that day. On the same day that parents faced the unbearable loss of their children, my eldest son was born. I remember the preciousness of my son’s birth and could not begin to imagine—that day, or any day since—the sense of loss faced by those families. In the months that followed, grief-stricken parents and residents of Dunblane decided that they would not let such tragedies happen again.”
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“That the Parliament agrees that the Social Justice and Social Security Committee be designated as lead committee in consideration of the legislative consent memorandum on the Armed Forces Bill. The Presiding Officer: That concludes decision time. Meeting closed at 22:42. This is the final edition of the Official Report of this meeting. It is part of the Scottish Parliament Official Report archive and has been sent for legal deposit.”
“That the Parliament agrees that the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Allocation of Functions to the Local Taxation Chamber) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland Local Taxation Chamber and Upper Tribunal for Scotland (Composition and Rules of Procedure) (Miscellaneous Amendment) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exclusions and Exceptions) (Domestic Homicide and Suicide Reviews) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Public Services Reform (Scottish Water) Order 2026 [draft] be approved. That the Parliament agrees that the Renewables Obligation (Scotland) Amendment Order 2026 [draft] be approved.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the Private Housing Rent Control (Exempt Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. The Presiding Officer: I propose to ask a single question on seven Parliamentary Bureau motions unless any member objects. As no member objects, the question is, that motions S6M-21040 to S6M-21045, on approval of Scottish statutory instruments, and motion S6M- 21046, on designation of a lead committee, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, be agreed to. Motions agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Skin Piercing and Tattooing) Amendment Order 2026 [draft] be approved.”
“For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Ind) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Against Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) The Presiding Officer: The result of the division on motion S6M-21039, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on approval of an SSI, is: For 110, Against 8, Abstentions 0.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the National Bus Travel Concession Schemes (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Order 2026 [draft] be approved. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that motion S6M-21039, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on approval of an SSI, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Ind) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Against Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Abstentions Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) The Presiding Officer: The result of the vote on motion S6M-21038, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on approval of an SSI, is: For 112, Against 2, Abstentions 6.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the Council Tax (Variation for Unoccupied Dwellings) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that motion S6M-21038, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on approval of an SSI, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Ind) Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Villalba, Mercedes (North East Scotland) (Lab) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Against Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Hoy, Craig (South Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) The Presiding Officer: The result of the vote on motion S6M-21037, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on approval of an SSI, is: For 93, Against 27, Abstentions 0.”
“Motion agreed to, That the Parliament agrees that the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 (Characteristic of Sex) (Amendment and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved. The Presiding Officer: The next question is, that motion S6M-21037, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on approval of an SSI, be agreed to. Are we agreed? Members: No. The Presiding Officer: There will be a division.”
“On a point of order, Presiding Officer. I do not think my vote registered, but I would have voted yes. The Presiding Officer: Thank you, First Minister. I can confirm that it was recorded. For Adam, George (Paisley) (SNP) Adam, Karen (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP) Adamson, Clare (Motherwell and Wishaw) (SNP) Allan, Alasdair (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP) Arthur, Tom (Renfrewshire South) (SNP) Baillie, Jackie (Dumbarton) (Lab) Baker, Claire (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Balfour, Jeremy (Lothian) (Ind) Beattie, Colin (Midlothian North and Musselburgh) (SNP) Bibby, Neil (West Scotland) (Lab) Boyack, Sarah (Lothian) (Lab) Briggs, Miles (Lothian) (Con) Brown, Keith (Clackmannanshire and Dunblane) (SNP) Brown, Siobhian (Ayr) (SNP) Burnett, Alexander (Aberdeenshire West) (Con) Callaghan, Stephanie (Uddingston and Bellshill) (SNP) Carlaw, Jackson (Eastwood) (Con) Carson, Finlay (Galloway and West Dumfries) (Con) Choudhury, Foysol (Lothian) (Ind) Clark, Katy (West Scotland) (Lab) Coffey, Willie (Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley) (SNP) Constance, Angela (Almond Valley) (SNP) Dey, Graeme (Angus South) (SNP) Don-Innes, Natalie (Renfrewshire North and West) (SNP) Doris, Bob (Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn) (SNP) Dornan, James (Glasgow Cathcart) (SNP) Dowey, Sharon (South Scotland) (Con) Dunbar, Jackie (Aberdeen Donside) (SNP) Duncan-Glancy, Pam (Glasgow) (Ind) Eagle, Tim (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Fairlie, Jim (Perthshire South and Kinross-shire) (SNP) Findlay, Russell (West Scotland) (Con) FitzPatrick, Joe (Dundee City West) (SNP) Forbes, Kate (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP) Fraser, Murdo (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Gallacher, Meghan (Central Scotland) (Con) Gilruth, Jenny (Mid Fife and Glenrothes) (SNP) Gosal, Pam (West Scotland) (Con) Gougeon, Mairi (Angus North and Mearns) (SNP) Grant, Rhoda (Highlands and Islands) (Lab) Gray, Neil (Airdrie and Shotts) (SNP) Greene, Jamie (West Scotland) (LD) Griffin, Mark (Central Scotland) (Lab) Gulhane, Sandesh (Glasgow) (Con) Halcro Johnston, Jamie (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Hamilton, Rachael (Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con) Harper, Emma (South Scotland) (SNP) Haughey, Clare (Rutherglen) (SNP) Hepburn, Jamie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP) Hyslop, Fiona (Linlithgow) (SNP) Johnson, Daniel (Edinburgh Southern) (Lab) Kerr, Liam (North East Scotland) (Con) Kerr, Stephen (Central Scotland) (Con) Kidd, Bill (Glasgow Anniesland) (SNP) Lennon, Monica (Central Scotland) (Lab) Leonard, Richard (Central Scotland) (Lab) Lochhead, Richard (Moray) (SNP) Lumsden, Douglas (North East Scotland) (Con) MacDonald, Gordon (Edinburgh Pentlands) (SNP) MacGregor, Fulton (Coatbridge and Chryston) (SNP) Mackay, Rona (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP) Macpherson, Ben (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (SNP) Maguire, Ruth (Cunninghame South) (SNP) Marra, Michael (North East Scotland) (Lab) Martin, Gillian (Aberdeenshire East) (SNP) Mason, John (Glasgow Shettleston) (Ind) Matheson, Michael (Falkirk West) (SNP) McAllan, Màiri (Clydesdale) (SNP) McArthur, Liam (Orkney Islands) (LD) McCall, Roz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) McKee, Ivan (Glasgow Provan) (SNP) McLennan, Paul (East Lothian) (SNP) McMillan, Stuart (Greenock and Inverclyde) (SNP) McNair, Marie (Clydebank and Milngavie) (SNP) McNeill, Pauline (Glasgow) (Lab) Minto, Jenni (Argyll and Bute) (SNP) Mochan, Carol (South Scotland) (Lab) Mountain, Edward (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Mundell, Oliver (Dumfriesshire) (Con) Nicoll, Audrey (Aberdeen South and North Kincardine) (SNP) O’Kane, Paul (West Scotland) (Lab) Robertson, Angus (Edinburgh Central) (SNP) Robison, Shona (Dundee City East) (SNP) Roddick, Emma (Highlands and Islands) (SNP) Ross, Douglas (Highlands and Islands) (Con) Rowley, Alex (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab) Russell, Davy (Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse) (Lab) Sarwar, Anas (Glasgow) (Lab) Simpson, Graham (Central Scotland) (Reform) Smith, Liz (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Somerville, Shirley-Anne (Dunfermline) (SNP) Stevenson, Collette (East Kilbride) (SNP) Stewart, Alexander (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con) Stewart, Kaukab (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) Stewart, Kevin (Aberdeen Central) (SNP) Sturgeon, Nicola (Glasgow Southside) (SNP) Sweeney, Paul (Glasgow) (Lab) Swinney, John (Perthshire North) (SNP) Thomson, Michelle (Falkirk East) (SNP) Todd, Maree (Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) (SNP) Torrance, David (Kirkcaldy) (SNP) Tweed, Evelyn (Stirling) (SNP) Webber, Sue (Lothian) (Con) Wells, Annie (Glasgow) (Con) White, Tess (North East Scotland) (Con) Whitfield, Martin (South Scotland) (Lab) Whitham, Elena (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley) (SNP) Whittle, Brian (South Scotland) (Con) Wishart, Beatrice (Shetland Islands) (LD) Yousaf, Humza (Glasgow Pollok) (SNP) Against Burgess, Ariane (Highlands and Islands) (Green) Chapman, Maggie (North East Scotland) (Green) Greer, Ross (West Scotland) (Green) Harvie, Patrick (Glasgow) (Green) Mackay, Gillian (Central Scotland) (Green) Ruskell, Mark (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Green) Slater, Lorna (Lothian) (Green) Abstentions Ewing, Fergus (Inverness and Nairn) (Ind) The Presiding Officer: The result of the vote on motion S6M-21036, in the name of Graeme Dey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bureau, on approval of a Scottish statutory instrument, is: For 110, Against 7, Abstentions 1.”
“A lot of work has been put into this bill by a lot of people, and we—all of a sudden—discover that it might not be within our competence.”
“The Government thinks that this bill is incompetent; the Presiding Officer thinks that it is competent; and Mr McArthur, the member in charge, thinks that the Government was not being fully transparent in some of its earlier interventions, although—and I will give way to Mr McArthur in a moment—he caveated his own remarks by saying that he was worried about saying that, based on what the Deputy First Minister and the First Minister had said. Mr Whittle wanted to come in. Brian Whittle: We are complaining that we have been debating this bill for 10 hours, but the fact is that some people in here have been working on it for years. I think that it is absolutely right that we get this matter cleared up, because, having got to this stage, I am quite angry about it.”
“Miles Briggs: There is another side to this whole debate, which is that there was no Government minister at stage 2. Ministers might be guiding members both for and against the debate, but the fact that those who lodged amendments previously and, in lodging them again, have found that they are being ruled apparently incompetent, shows that the Government did not provide that commentary at stage 2. It is important that we recognise that ministers have not given that information at stage 2. Douglas Ross: That is a fair point from Miles Briggs, but it is actually not the point that I am making. That is Miles Briggs’s point, and it has been echoed by Brian Whittle. I want to go back to the earlier point made in the debate, to which I still have not got a response.”